CatchWindow fishing intelligence

Vaca Key, Florida Bay, FL Daily Water Report — August 28, 2026

Fishing is the clear play today with an 8.2 out of 10—the best score on the water this Friday. A light ESE breeze around 7 knots, stable high pressure at 1017 hPa, and the tail end of a full moon combine for solid conditions. The midday high tide at 14:27 aligns neatly with the solunar major period starting at 12:26, offering a prime window through early afternoon. The early morning low at 06:54, while slight at 0.22m, also pairs with a minor period for those who want to beat the heat. Surface water is a balmy 31.7°C, and visibility stretches nearly 20 kilometers, so you’ll see what you’re working with. For boaters, a 7.0 out of 10 reflects manageable seas—waves averaging 0.48m with a short 3.45-second period, calmest around 8 p.m. at 0.32m. Winds stay under 10 knots all day, but gusts touch nearly 12 knots at 2 p.m., so afternoon skippers should mind the pickup. Sailing scores 7.5—decent but not as crisp as Wednesday’s 9.2, when winds were stronger and more consistent. Surfing and kayaking are middling at best: the 0.4m swell from 114 degrees lacks push, and the 1.75-second wind waves are too choppy for any real glide. No diving score is available today, likely due to missing clarity data, so keep that mask on the dashboard. Compared to yesterday’s near-identical 8.0 fishing score and slightly lower 7.0 sailing, today edges ahead thanks to a calmer start and that solar-lunar boost. The real outlier was Tuesday, when 14.7-knot winds blew sailing to a 9.2 but knocked boating to 5.8—today splits the difference nicely. Looking ahead, Saturday brings similar wave heights but a jump in peak wind to 13.5 knots and a 46% rain chance. Sunday sees winds strengthening further to 16.2 knots, which could push boating and kayaking scores down, though swell remains modest. By early next week, winds settle back slightly, and waves shrink below 0.4m by Wednesday. Best bet: Get lines wet between noon and 2 p.m. when the tide and moon have your back, and don’t leave the dock without a hat.